MEET DEBRA
Putting the people of Stratham first
It is a great honor to represent my hometown of Stratham, Rockingham District 19, in the House of Representatives. In this first term we have had success in having two pieces of legislation I co-sponsored be signed into law.
In my first year as a member of the General Court I served on the Transportation Committee and now currently serve on the Judiciary Committee. I am a member of the Children’s Caucus, Women's Caucus, Gun Violence Prevention Caucus and Economic Justice Caucus.
when I am not in Concord representing Stratham, I work as the Community Liaison for HAVEN, New Hampshire’s largest violence prevention and crisis support center serving people impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. I have worked in this field since 2012 advocating for victims of crime in our community and across the state.
In this capacity I was appointed by the Governor to be a member of the Oversight Commission on Children’s Services. My work as a victim's advocate brings the perspective of the crisis centers to the table, giving voice to the voiceless. I was one of the three members of this Commission to vet the candidates for the Office of the Child Advocate, a position now held by Dr. Moira O’Neil.
I am also an active member of the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force. Sex and labor trafficking are a problem here in NH we are just beginning to understand the scope of, and provide services and justice for, victims of human trafficking. I travel throughout Southern NH providing trainings for medical professionals and law enforcement in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing services.
Volunteerism has been a part of my life since childhood. As an active part of the Seacoast community I have been a member of the Exeter Area General Federation of Women’s Clubs for almost 15 years, been a 9 year volunteer for the infamous Stratham Fair, co-coached youth recreation sports, and was lucky to have spent 12+ years as a PTO and school volunteer for my children’ classrooms at the Stratham Memorial School and the Cooperative Middle School.
I am an active volunteer for Planned Parenthood, a member of the Seacoast Chapter of Moms Demand Action and a Girl Scouts of America mentor for the Girls Rock the Capital program.
My husband of 24 years, Howard, and I have lived here in Stratham for the past 14 years with our three children Marina, Connell & Brady and our blind (but still spunky) dog Chewbacca.
I am seeking a second term in the House of Representatives and hope to have or earn your support in this upcoming election!
With warmest wishes from Stratham,
